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Return to Techno TipsGlossary of Computer Terms
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A:, Access Path, Access Time, Application, Autoexec.bat
Back Up, Bandwidth, Baud, BIOS, Bit, Bit-mapped images, Bookmarks, Boot, Bootable Diskette, Boot Sector Virus, bps (Bits Per Second), Browser, Bug, Bundled software, Bus, Byte
C:, Calibration, CD-ROM, CD-R , CD-RW, Cell, Chip, Clip Art, Clone, CMOS, Communications (COM) Port, Compound Document, Config.sys, CPU, Cursor
Device Driver, DHTML, DIMMs, Directory, Disk, Disk Cache, Disk Drive, Disk Driver, Diskette Drive, Docking Station, DOS, Dot Pitch, Double-click, Download, DPI, DRAM, Dual-boot, DVD-ROM
EGA, EIDE, EISA, E-mail Electronic Mail, Embedded Objects, Embedded System, Ergonomics, Expansion Cards, Expansion Slots
FAT, File Conversion, File Extension, File Format, Flash, Flash Memory, Font, FTP (File-Transfer Protocol), Full Backup, Function Keys
GB (Gigabyte), Gender, General Protection Fault, GUI (Graphical User Interface)
Hard Drive, Hidden File, Hyperlink, Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP)
IDE (Integrated Device Electronics), I/O Port (Input/Output Port), Incremental Backups, Internet, IRQ (Interrupt Request Lines), ISA (Industry Standard Architecture)
JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group), Jumpers
KB (Kilobyte), Kbps (Kilobits per second), Key, Keyboard
Macro, Macro Recorder, MB (Megabyte), Mbps (Megabits Per Second), Memory, Menu, MHz (Megahertz), Monitor, Microprocessor, MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface), Modem (Modulator/ Demodulator), Motherboard, Mouse, Multimedia
Network, Newsgroup, OCR (Optical Character Recognition), Online Service, Operating System
Parallel Port, Parity, Partition, PC Card, PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect), Pixel, Plug and Play, Portable Document Format (PDF), Ports, Printer, Program Group, Pull-down Menu
RAM (Random-Access Memory), RAM Drive, Real Time Clock, Refresh Rate, Resolution, ROM (Read-Only Memory), Root Directory
Scanner, SCSI (Small Computer System Interface), Screen Dump, Selective Backup, Serial Port, Shareware, SIMM (Single In-line Memory Module), SLIP/PPP (Serial Line Interface Protocol/Point to Point Protocol), Software, Sound Card, Spacebar, Special Characters, Spell Checker, Split Screen, Standalone, Startup, SVGA (SuperVGA), Swap File
TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol)
V.90, VAR (Value-added Resellers), VGA (Video Graphics Array), Video Display Adapter, Virus, VLB (VESA Local Bus)
Wallpaper, Web site, Windows 3.x, 95, 98, NT, Wizard, World Wide Web, ZIP
A
- A: When followed by a colon, A refers to the A: drive, the first diskette or hard drive on a network or inside a computer. On many PCs, A: drive is a 5.25-inch or a 3.5-inch diskette drive, but the drive letter can be changed by user.
- Access Path: The complete route, including the drive letter, directory, and all sub-directories, that directs an operating system to a file or application in a storage device. For example, the access path C:\WlNDOWS\SYSTEM\crmscip indicates that the crmscip file is stored in the SYSTEM sub-directory in the WINDOWS directory, which is on the C: drive. Also called directory path.
- Access Time The length of time required for a computer system to process a data request and retrieve the data from memory, a storage device, or the Internet. This time may range from a few nanoseconds when accessing a file in the computer's memory to hours when retrieving data from the Internet.
- Application - Computer software, such as word processor or database management system, used to perform a specific task. The word program can be used interchangeably with application.
- Autoexec.bat - A special file containing instructions that are carried out every time the computer system is started or restarted. These instructions help the computer get set up and find certain programs.
B
- Back Up - Copying files to a second medium, often a magnetic tape drive or diskette for storage. A back up is important in the event the original files, usually on a hard drive, are lost or damaged.
- Bandwidth - The capacity a network connection has for carrying data.
- Baud - Roughly speaking, the number of bits of data that a modem can transmit per second.
- BIOS - Basic Input/Output System. A set of routines that works with a computer system's hardware to support data transfers between the various components, such as the monitor and disk drives, of a system.
- Bit - Short for binary digit, this is the smallest unit of data a computer can handle. Each unit has a value of 0 or 1 that the computer interprets as "off" or "on," respectively. Eight bits make up one byte.
- Bit-mapped images Graphics that are composed of tiny, individually coloured squares called pixels. The lower the resolution of the image, the lower the image's quality.
- Bookmarks - Under-definable lists that let a person easily access a document or page. Clicking a bookmark usually calls up the locations it references. Bookmarks often are used in connection with World Wide Web browsing programs such as Netscape Navigator in Windows help screens. The lists let users point and click names of locations instead of typing addresses or paging through screens of text.
- Boot - To turn on a computer and cause it to start executing the basic startup software usually housed in the basic Input/Output System (BIOS). Booting up a computer is the first step to using it, as the computer must load certain information in its memory before naming more advanced programs.
- Bootable Diskette - A diskette that contains a computer's minimal operating system and allows a PC to be started in emergencies, such as when a hard drive won't function normally. Also called a system or DOS diskette.
- Boot Sector Virus - This type of virus infects a disk's boot sector - the first portion of a hard drive or floppy that is read when the computer is turned on. Boot sector viruses can only be passed on via floppy disks, which makes them a shoo-in for the least contagious computer viruses.
- bps - Bits Per Second. Refers to the speed at which a modem can transmit data. Divide the bits per second by 10 to get an approximate idea of how many characters per second a modem can transmit.
- Browser - An application that lets users download and view World Wide Web pages on their computers. Graphical browsers can display pictures and text and let you navigate among pages with a mouse. Two of the most popular browsers are Netscape Navigator and Microsoft Internet Explorer.
- Bug - A bug is an error in computer software or hardware. Example: When your word processor insists on destroying documents rather than saving them, it's probably because of a bug, although the vendor would probably call it a feature.
- Bundled software Software included, often at no extra charge, with another application or piece of hardware. The most commonly bundled software groups are games, Internet browsers, and management suites packaged with a new computer.
- Bus - The electric connection linking electronic devices such as the internal sections of a computer (i.e., the CPU, expansion cards and peripherals). The amount data that can be simultaneously transported along a bus is determined by the number of connections for moving binary numbers. For instance, a 16-bit bus can transport up to 16 ones and zeros (binary digits) at once. Popular types of buses include Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) and Small Computer System interface (SCSI). In networks, a bus is the cable system known as the backbone, which connects all computers into a single network.
- Byte - A byte is equal to either seven or eight bits, depending upon whether it requires an extra bit used for error correction, called a parity bit. A byte is equivalent to one alphanumeric character. Storage capacities of items such as hard drives, random-access memory, and diskettes usually are measured in kilobytes or megabytes.
C
- C: When followed by a colon, refers to the C: drive, usually the hard drive inside a computer. However, this designation can be changed by the user.
- Calibration The process of balancing the lighting and colour between a scanner and an output device, such as a monitor or a printer. Newer scanners often do this automatically.
- CD-ROM - Compact Disk, Read Only Memory. A data storage medium that uses laser optics rather than magnetic means to read data. Information can be read from CD-ROMs but not recorded to them. (see CD-R)
- CD-R - Compact Disk-Recordable. A data storage medium that uses laser optics rather than magnetic means to read as well as write data or music formats to a blank 650 MB CD. Often called a CD Writer or Burner.
- CD-RW Compact Disk Re-Writer. Similar to a CD Writer except that the disks can be 'erased' and rewritten to.
- Cell - The intersection of a row and column in a spreadsheet, such as cell A1, the cell located at the intersection of column A and row 1. Each cell is a box that can hold text, a numerical value, or a formula.
- Chip - A small piece of semiconducting material (usually silicon) on which an integrated circuit is embedded.
- Clip Art - Pre-drawn images sold in large collections, usually on CD-ROMs. Clip art can easily be added to documents.
- Clone - Computers using similar technology but made by a company other than the technology's originator.
- CMOS - Complimentary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor. A semiconductor device with two metal-oxide transistors residing on one silicon chip. CMOS devices possess very high speed and very low power consumption, and generally are used for RAM and fast data switching.
- Communications (COM) Port A plug-in socket in the back of the computer for hooking up devices such as mice or modems.
- Compound document A document that contains data from two or more applications. For example, a word processing document that contains a chart from a spreadsheet program is a compound document.
- Config.sys A text file DOS consults when a system starts up. This file contains commands that tell DOS how to communicate with new hardware, customize communication with existing hardware, and adjust your computer's memory usage.
- CPU - Central Processing Unit. Also called the microprocessor, this chip acts as the brain of a computer. It controls the computer's actions and can find, decode and carry out instructions and assign tasks to other resources. The type of CPU, or microprocessor, that a computer has determines what type of system it is. Most IBM-compatible PCs use 386-, 486-, or Pentium-class chips designed by Intel Corp. (See Microprocessor)
- Cursor - The marker that shows your position in a file or on-screen. Also called an insertion point.
D
- Device Driver - - Software that lets the computer communicate with hardware devices, such as a mouse, or other software.
- DHTML - Dynamic HTML - The next generation of HTML, the language that describes how text and images are displayed on a Web page. Dynamic HTML, developed by Netscape and the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), is based entirely on industry-standard HTML and Java. New features in Dynamic HTML, such as absolute positioning and layers, give designers and developers much greater control over the look and feel of Web pages.
- DIMMs Dual In-line Memory Modules. Stackable memory modules that are thicker than SIMMs because the chips are actually stacked on top of one another. The most basic type of DIMMs stack entire modules (rather than just chips) on top of each other.
- Directory- An index of files on the hard disk or a floppy. In Windows, directories are called folders. A disk may contain many directories and directories within directories.
- Disk- A round, flat magnetic data storage device that can be rigid (hard) or flexible (floppy). A magnetized device contained within a hard or diskette drive records and reads the information. A hard drive is the primary permanent storage device in most PCs, while a diskette is the primary portable storage device. The term disk most often refers to the disk within a hard drive, but it also can refer to a rigid or flexible storage device.
- Disk Cache - A reserved portion of memory that acts as a buffer between the CPU and a disk. The use of disk cache may significantly expedite data retrieval.
- Disk Drive - A peripheral storage device containing a disk or disks on to which data can be stored and retrieved. Diskette drives, usually referred to as the A: drive, have the smallest storage capacity and are the slowest. Hard drives, usually called the C: drive are self-contained drives that have large storage capacities and fast data recall times. CD-ROM drives often called the D: drive, can be either external or internal and are often used to run entertainment and educational programs.
- Disk Driver - A device driver, distributed by the manufacturer, that allows a specific disk drive to communicate with the rest of the computer system.
- Diskette Drive A peripheral storage device used to record data to and retrieve data from diskettes. The diskette drive, usually referred to as the A: or B.: drive, has a smaller storage capacity than a hard drive and a CD-ROM drive and is the slowest to operate. Diskette drives are usually used for temporary and portable backup document storage. Also called a floppy disk drive.
- Docking Station A plastic shell, or holder on which a user sets a portable computer so it can be used on a desk similar to a desktop computer.
- DOS Disk Operating System. The operating system software used to run IBM-compatible computers. Microsoft's version of DOS is called MEADOW although many people refer to it simply as DOS.
- Dot Pitch The distance, measured in millimeters, between pixels on a computer monitor. The smaller the dot pitch, the sharper the image. A comfortable dot pitch for viewing is between .28 and .31 millimeters.
- Double-click Rapidly pressing a mouse button twice in succession without moving the mouse. In Windows, double-clicking is used for a variety of actions, including opening files and applications or dosing windows.
- Download - To retrieve an application or file from another computer through a network connection or modem. Download is synonymous with "receive."
- dpi - dots per inch. A measurement of a scanner's precision. The more dots per inch a scanner can reproduce, the higher the quality of the image it is creating.
- DRAM Dynamic Random-Access Memory. RAM that stores information in integrated circuits containing capacitors, which need to be electronically "refreshed" to "remember" what is in them.
- Dual-boot A configuration that enables a PC to run two operating systems, but not at the same time.
- DVD-ROM - A new technology that is primarily a medium for computer data and software and is read on a computer drive similar to a CD-ROM drive. DVD-ROMs can hold a vast amount of data. A single-sided, single-layered DVD offers a capacity of 4.38 GB. A single-sided, double-layered DVD-ROM will hold 7.95 GB.
E
- Enhanced Graphics Adapter (EGA) - A high resolution video card manufactured by IBM in 1984 that has more colours (16 from a palette of 64), and obeys the computer much faster than the older video cards, such as the colour/graphics adapter (CGA). EGA cards can produce a resolution of 640 horizontal pixels by 350 vertical pixels, which is not quite as capable as the video graphics array (VGA) card with 640 by 480 resolution but better than the CGA card with 320 by 200 resolution.
- Enhanced Integrated Drive Electronics (EIDE) - Also known as Fast AT Attachment (Fast ATA), this is an updated version of the Integrated Drive electronics (IDE) storage interface that works with hard drives and CD-ROM drives. It can shuttle data to and from the drive three or four times faster than the IDE standard (transferring data between 11 megabytes (MB) and 16.6 MB per second), and can support data storage devices that store up to eight gigabytes more than IDE drivers.
- EISA - Extended Industry Standard Architecture. A step up from ISA, a standard for expansion cards that can transfer 32 bits of data at a time.
- E-mail Electronic Mail - Text messages sent through a network to a specified individual or group. Received messages are stashed in an inbox and can be kept, deleted, replied to, or forwarded to another recipient, depending upon your E-mail program. In addition to a message, an E-mail may have an attached file or graphic.
- Embedded object - A copy of an object or file pasted into another file. For instance, users can incorporate a small spreadsheet created with spreadsheet software into a word processing report. If they want to edit that spreadsheet later, they select and begin editing it using the spreadsheet program's tools but the word processor will remain open to the document at the same time. Objects and files embedded within the Microsoft Windows operating environment/system use Windows' Object Linking and Embedding (OLE).
- Embedded system -A device, usually with a singular function such as controlling a piece of machinery on an assembly line, that contains a microprocessor. Inability to handle information such as four-digit dates or leap days can cause these systems that depend on them to shut down in the year 2000.
- Ergonomics The study of how workers interact with their work environment. Proper ergonomics means designing objects in the workplace, such as keyboards and chairs, to provide safety and comfort for the worker.
- Expansion Cards Electronic circuit cards that fit into slots on the main circuit board (called the motherboard) inside the case of the computer. A computer user can add items such as modems, sound capability, and ports to a PC using an expansion card.
- Expansion Slots - An outlet on the main circuit board (called the motherboard) that holds expansion cards and provides a connection between the computer's bus, or main data pathway, and the expansion card. The slots provide a way of improving or upgrading the system.
F
- FAT (File Allocation Table) - The method Microsoft DOS (MS-DOS) uses to keep track of the contents of a disk. The table is a chart of numbers that correspond to cluster addresses on the disk. When a file is requested, DOS searches addresses in the FAT to find where a file's clusters are stored on disk. It then goes to the disk to collect each cluster of information. This is important because files are scattered throughout available sections on the drive rather than in contiguous segments, causing a computer to operate slowly.
- File Conversion - The process of changing the format of a file from one standard to another. e.g., to look at Microsoft Word documents with WordPerfect, it might be necessary to convert the Word documents into the format of WordPerfect documents. Many applications can convert documents, graphics, databases and other programs of rival brands into their own format for viewing or editing.
- File Extension - The portion of a file name to the right of the period in the traditional eight character-plus-three file name format. In File.doc, for example, DOC is the extension.
- File Format - The way data is organised for a particular kind of file. Some formats are proprietary and can be read only by the program used to create the file. Other formats such as ASCII and rich text format (RTF), are more generic and can be read by many programs.
- Flash BIOS - A BIOS stored in flash memory. BIOS is the essential software built into a computer to handle the performance of basic recurring tasks. Flash memory is easier to upgrade than ROM, the original method for holding the BIOS. Upgrading a ROM BIOS requires replacing a chip, but flash memory can be replaced electronically.
- Flash Memory - A type of computer memory developed by Intel Corp. Flash memory is integrated circuit (IC) memory that does not need continuous power to retain the data stored in memory. It is expensive compared with magnetic storage and is therefore not practical as a replacement for current hard drives or diskettes. It sometimes is used to store computer BIOS and start up data.
- Font A description of how to display a set of characters. This includes the shape, size and spacing between characters as well as effects such as bold, italics, underline and colour.
- FTP - File Transfer Protocol. A standardized, text-based method of transferring files over telephone lines from one computer to another.
- Full Backup - A type of backup that saves all the files on a particular drive.
- Function Keys - Keys that act as shortcuts for performing certain functions, such as saving files or printing data. Function keys usually are lined along the top of the keyboard and are labeled F1 through F12, although some keyboards have fewer and others have more. Function keys also might be on either side of the lettered keys along the right or left edge of the keyboard. These keys change their function depending upon which software is running, although the F1 key, for instance, often brings up a help screen.
G
- GB - Gigabyte. A unit of computer storage equaling approximately 1 billion bytes.
- Gender - Describes a computer plug or port by its components: male if it contains pins and female if it has sockets or holes.
- General Protection Fault - A warning that a program has tried to reach a portion of memory that is not supposed to be accessed or the program is trying to perform a function it cannot perform. GPFs usually require shutting down a program and losing unsaved data.
- GUI - Graphical User Interface. Software such as Windows, that lets users control computer operations by pointing with a device such as a mouse, to images and menus rather than by typing text commands.
H
- Hard Drive - A computer's main storage device, also called a hard disk drive. It consists of rigid platters fixed inside a sealed casing. A hard drive can store more information and retrieve more data than a diskette. Most hard drives are permanently stored in a drive bay at the front of the computer, although some hard drives are portable and can be removed from the system.
- Hidden Files Files that do not appear when users view a list if files. Usually, they are system files that could cause the operating system to malfunction if they are changed or removed. The hidden attribute can be turned off and on in DOS and Windows.
- Hyperlink - An icon, graphic, or word in a file that, when clicked with the mouse, automatically opens another file for viewing. Hyperlinks are commonly seen on World Wide Web pages.
- Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) - A language used to create electronic documents, especially pages on the World Wide Web, that contain connections called hyperlinks
- Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) - The set of standards that lets users of the World Wide Web exchange information found in Web pages. Web browser software is used to read documents formatted and delivered according to HTTP.
I
- IDE - Integrated Device Electronics. A disk drive interface that eliminates the need for a separate adapter card because the controller electronics reside on the actual drive.
- I/O Port - Short for Input/Output Port A connector on the computer where you plug in a cable from another device and through which information can flow between the two units.
- Incremental Backups - A type of backup that saves any files modified since the last backup.
- Internet - A global network linking millions of computers for communications purposes. The internet originally was developed in 1969 for the U.S. Military. In the last five years, connections to and use of the Internet have mushroomed. The Internet can be accessed through commercial online service such as America Online, or through Internet service providers (ISPs).
- IRQ - Interrupt Request Lines. The wires that connect your microprocessor to hardware devices. IRQ lines let the devices request their share of attention from the microprocessor Each line has its own address in the computer's memory.
- ISA - Industry Standard Architecture. A standard allowing a number of adapters to be added to a system by way of inserting plug-in cards into expansion slots on the computer's motherboard.
J
- JPEG - Joint Photographic Experts Group - A colour image graphics compression format. In the JPEG image compression system, some data is sacrificed to achieve high rates of compression. Ratios of 100-1 or higher are possible, which means that a 100 megabyte (MB) graphics file could potentially be reduced to 1 MB in length . Ratios more than 10-1 or 20-1, however, begin to show noticeable image degradation.
- Jumpers - A group of small metal pins with plastic blocks covering some of the pins. Changing the position of the blocks (which contain tiny electrical connectors), changes the settings of a hardware device.
K
- KB - Kilobyte A unit used to measure storage capacity of a hard drive, diskette, or random-access memory. One kilobyte equals 1,024 bytes.
- Kbps - Kilobits per second A unit of measurement for the speed of data transmission; 1 Kbps is 1,024 bps.
- Key - A single button on the keyboard. Letters, numbers, and symbols are all represented by keys on most keyboards, along with several special function keys. Pressing a key in many applications causes the character on the key to be displayed on the monitor. Also refers to the code used to encrypt and decrypt data. There is also sometimes a physical key that can lock a user's system
- Keyboard - One of the main input devices used by computers, a PC's keyboard looks very similar to the keys of electric typewriters. Computer keyboards, however, usually include extra keys such as the function keys, cursor keys, and a number pad.
M
- Macro - A series of keyboard and mouse actions recorded to a single key, symbol, or name. Macros are helpful when you perform a task often.
- Macro Recorder - A program used to record a series of keyboard and mouse actions into a single macro. A user will record a complete series of actions and then assign a single key, symbol, or name to the series.
- MB - Megabyte - A common measurement of computer storage equaling approximately one million bytes.
- Mbps - Megabits Per Second A measurement used to determine the amount of data being transmitted per second on a network or modem.
- Memory - The place a computer holds information that is currently being used or worked on. Programs must be loaded into memory before they can be run so the amount (or capacity) of memory determines which programs a computer can run, how many it can run at once, and how quickly data can be processed. The contents of random-access memory (RAM), or short-term memory, are erased when the computer is turned off. Also can refer to the permanent preprogrammed memory of read-only memory (ROM).
- Menu - A list of choices offered to the user. How you select a menu option depends upon the nature of the application or operating system. Typing a number or letter or clicking on a live link with a mouse are two common examples. See pull-down menu.
- MHz - Megahertz Used to measure a computer system's speed, one megahertz is equivalent to 1 million cycles per second.
- Microprocessor - Known as the "brains" of the computer, this computer chip contains all the central processing functions of a computer. Also known as the central processing unit (CPU).
- MIDI - Musical Instrument Digital Interface A standard that lets electronic devices such as keyboards and sound cards communicate with each other.
- Modem - Modulator/Demodulator A device that lets your computer communicate and exchange information with other modem-equipped computers via telephone lines. (See: V90)
- Monitor - The "TV" or screen or Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) that shows what the computer is doing. You always look at the monitor to see what choices the computer offers and to see the results of your work. The size is measured diagonally.
- Motherboard - The main circuit board of the computer. Other components are connected or directly attached to the motherboard.
- Mouse - An input device that lets a user control an on-screen pointer in a graphical user interface. The movement of the mouse is directly related to the movement of the on-screen pointer.
- Multimedia - A computer or program that mixes sound with video. Many multimedia programs are stored on compact discs because sound and video data often exceed the capacity of a diskette. Computers must have sound cards and headphones or speakers for sound to be heard.
N
- Network - A group of computers and peripherals connected by communications facilities. A network can involve permanent cables, such as those found on local-area networks, or temporary connections made through telephone lines.
- Newsgroup - A virtual area on the Internet reserved for the discussion of a certain topic. A newsgroup may be controlled, or moderated, by and individual who monitors all messages transmitted to the area.
O
- OCR - Optical Character recognition A type of software that converts scanned images into text information that then can be edited like normal text.
- Online Service - A commercial service that provides access to such online features as e-mail, news services and the World Wide Web for a monthly fee. For example, America Online (AOL) is an online service.
- Operating System - Software that controls the computer's operations, such as input/ output control or data management. MS-DOS, Windows 95, and OS/2 are operating systems used with IBM-compatible computers. Windows 3.x is an "operating system" because it requires MS-DOS to run.
P
- Parallel Port - A port that accepts parallel cables which a low data to flow into and out of a PC at a high speed. Parallel ports transfer data at eight bits (one byte) at a time. Most printers use parallel ports .These ports are commonly referred to as LPT1 or LPT2.
- Parity - A form of error checking usually used in online communications to ensure it received all information it was supposed to.
- Partition - A reserved portion of disk or memory that functions as a separate unit; when used as a verb, partition refers to the process of dividing up the space on a disk into smaller units. A partition acts as a separate space but physically it is still part of the whole disk. A user could, for example, partition a hard disk into several separate drives (such as E:; F:; G:), while maintaining the physical structure of only one disk. This is a way to make the hard drive more efficient. Hard drives partitioned into multiple sections often work faster because the computer only needs to search a specific section for information rather than the entire drive.
- PC Card - Formerly known as a PCMCIA card, this credit card-sized device plugs into a PC card slot and enables the user to add computer peripherals such as modems, sound cards, CD-ROM drivers, or network connections. They are used primarily in portable computers, but can be used in desktop systems as well. The industry standards for PC Cards are set by the Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA).
- PCI - Peripheral Component Interconnect. A standard design for motherboards and expansion slots that can transfer 32 or 64 bits of data at one time. Its expansion slots are compatible with either ISA or special PCI expansion cards.
- Pixel - The smallest part of an image a computer printer or display can control. An image on a computer monitor consists of hundreds of thousands of pixels, arranged in such a manner that they appear to each be connected.
- Plug and Play - A technology designed to improve integration of hardware and software, and which is most commonly found in PCs with the Windows operating system. Plug and Play is designed to let the computer automatically recognize and immediately use new hardware components.
- Portable Document Format (PDF) - A file format developed by Adobe that facilitates the conversion of graphics heavy documents into a form that requires the free Acrobat Reader for viewing. Creating a PDF file requires the full Acrobat program. PDF is especially useful for distributing documents such as online brochures or software documentation. PDF documents retain their original layouts, so users see them as they were created. (See Formats)
- Ports - Plug-like connectors on the back of a PC's case that let the machine communicate with peripheral devices such as mice and printers. Serial ports transmit data one bit of data at a time; parallel ports transmit data eight bits (one byte) at a time.
- Printer - What puts ink on paper for "hard copy". It connects to the computer via a cable as a peripheral or outboard device. Impact, ink-jet and laser are the main printing technologies. Ink-jet is the most popular due to colour capabilities and low cost. Laser is the fastest and lowest cost-per-page, but expensive purchase price. Impact or dot-matrix are old-fashioned, but cheapest per-page cost.
- Program Group - A grouping of related applications and files in Windows. Each program group is represented by an icon in the File Manager. Double-clicking on a program group opens a window containing icons representing individual files.
- Pull-down Menu - A menu in a graphical user interface (GUI) that is opened placing the screen cursor over the title and clicking a mouse button. A list appears below the title, and the user can select options from the list.
R
- RAM - Random-Access Memory. The temporary storage area used to load program instructions and store files currently in use. Unless a file is permanently stored on a hard drive, diskette, or other storage medium, changes to information in RAM will be lost when the computer is turned off.
- RAM Drive - A portion of memory set aside to act as a hard drive. Information can be accessed quickly in RAM, but all information stored there, unless moved to an actual drive, is lost when the computer is turned off.
- Real-time Clock (RTC) - A clock used by a computer that keeps track of time just like a wall clock, or wristwatch. This clock, which often tracks the date as well, continues working when the computer is switched off.
- Refresh Rate - The number of times per second a monitor redraws its screen image. A 60 hertz (Hz) vertical refresh rate indicates the on-screen image is redrawn 60 times per second. The higher the refresh rate, the sharper the on-screen image.
- Resolution - A measurement, usually in dots per inch (dpi), of the sharpness of an image generated by a monitor or a printer. High resolutions yield clearer images; lower resolutions make images appear coarse and out of focus.
- ROM - Read-Only Memory - Unchangeable information, such as a computer's default configurations, that is permanently stored on chips.
- Root Directory - The main directory on a diskette or hard drive. All directories and files stored on the disk are inside this directory. The root directory is created when a diskette or hard drive is formatted.
S
- Scanner - A photocopier-like device that uses light-sensing equipment to scan a document or photograph and translate it into a text or image file that can be viewed or saved similar to any other file.
- SCSI - Small Computer System Interface. Used for connecting computers to peripheral devices, other computers, and local-area networks. Peripheral devices are attached to a single SCSI port on the computer through a series of connections called a daisy chain. Transmissions through this port occur one device at a time. (See Bus)
- Screen Dump - A "snapshot" of a screen image that can be printed or saved as a file.
- Selective Backup - A type of backup that saves only the files that have been selected for backup.
- Serial Port - A port that transmits data one bit at a time. These ports are used for peripherals, such as mice and other input devices.
- Shareware - Software that is sold by individuals or small companies for a nominal fee. Typically, buyers download shareware from computer bulletin board systems (BBSes) and try it out before buying and registering it.
- SIMM - Single In-line Memory Module. Small circuit boards that accommodate memory chips. Smaller than traditional memory hardware, these boards use less space on the mother board.
- SLIP/PPP - Serial Line Interface Protocol/Point to Point Protocol. Lets you connect your computer system to the Internet itself, rather than logging on through an Internet access provider's host computer and issuing commands through a shell. SLIP/PPP connections let you communicate directly with other computers on the network using TCP/IP connections.
- Software - A set of instructions that tell a computer what to do. Software, also known as a program, will generally contain a list of variables, representing numbers, text or graphics, and a series of statements, which tell the computer how to process those variables. There are two basic software categories - system software, and application software. Software is usually stored on a storage device such as a hard drive until needed by the computer. Then parts of a particular program are loaded into the system's memory.
- Sound Card - An expansion card for the PC that generates sound and provides audio output to external amplification devices, such as speakers or headphones. Also called sound board and audio card.
- Spacebar - The long, horizontal bar on the lower edge of a keyboard that usually creates a blank space on the screen when pressed.
- Special Characters - A character that is not alphabetic or numeric. Punctuation marks, for example, are special characters. Any unusual character included with a font package also is considered a special character.
- Spell Checker - A program used in word processing to search a document for misspelled words. Spell checkers use a large database and comparison techniques to bring unfamiliar words and phrases to the user's attention.
- Split Screen - A software activated division of the computer monitor in which different documents can be displayed. Each document can be manipulated individually. Also called a split window.
- Standalone - A device or system that can perform its function independently. A non-network PC is an example of a standalone.
- Startup - The process of getting a computer ready for operation. This includes internal checks and the loading of software, such as the operating system.
- SVGA SuperVGA - SVGA cards provide 800 x 600 (or higher) resolution, display more colours, and perform faster than standard VGA cards.
- Swap File - Also known as virtual memory, a portion of a hard drive that is set aside for Windows to use when it runs out of RAM. These files can be either permanent (in a contiguous location on the hard drive) or temporary (placed wherever space is available).
T
- TCP/IP - Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol. A popular communications protocol for defining the nature of input and output devices.
U
- USB (Universal Serial Bus) - Hardware interface for low-speed peripherals such as the keyboard, mouse, joystick, scanner, printer and telephony devices. It also supports MPEG-1 and MPEG-2 digital video. USB has a maximum bandwidth of 1.5 Mbytes/sec, and up to 127 devices can be attached.
V
- V.90 - The 56K modem standard set by the International Telecommunications Union in February 1998. The standard consolidates the previously incompatible x2 and K56 Flex modem standards, making it possible for all 56K modems to communicate with each other. (See also: Modem)
- VAR - Value-added Resellers. VARs are people who assemble hardware and software configurations and resell these products to the public, adding value to the sale through support and service.
- VGA - Video Graphics Array. Provides resolution of 640 x 480 pixels (dots) on-screen with 16 colours.
- Video Display Adapter - A controller device containing the electronic elements that generate the video signals sent to the monitor.
- Virus - An executable file that replicates and attaches itself to other executable programs in an unsolicited manner. Most viruses are designed to damage data or other components within a computer system.
- VL-Bus - VESA Local Bus. Local bus architecture developed by the Video Electronics Standards Association. Up to three VL-Bus slots can be built into a mother board, and bus mastering is allowed. (Bus mastering is a processing technique used by certain adapter cards, independent of a computer's CPU.)
W
- Wallpaper - A bit-mapped graphic that appears as a backdrop on the Windows Desktop and other operating environments.
- Web site - A collection of World Wide Web documents managed by a single entity that provides information such as text, graphics and audio files to users, as well as connections called hyperlinks to other Web pages.
- Windows 3.x, 95, 98, - Windows 3.x (which refers to Windows 3.1 and Windows for Work groups) is a popular, graphical operating environment found on millions of computers. Windows 95 is a more powerful operating system introduced in 1995. Windows 98 was introduced in 1998. Unlike Windows 95 and 98, Windows 3.x requires MS-DOS to run. (See: Operating System)
- Wizard - A feature that provides step-by-step instructions to lead users through certain tasks in applications. A wizard uses dialogue boxes to walk users through each step of a process.
- World Wide Web - A network-wide menu-based program providing hypertext and hypermedia links to other information sources throughout the Internet.
Z
- ZIP Computer slang for copying and compressing a file, usually with PKZIP software from PKWare Inc. A compressed file occupies 50% or less disk space than an uncompressed file. A compressed file cannot be used in its compressed form, but has to be decompressed, or unzipped, first.